There is quite a bit of chatter regarding the lack of developers - specifically when players ask for new content. Quality art assets take time to create. Fostering untapped artists willing to create content would allow for more to be accomplished. More content getting created would lead to more users, more interest, and more revenue. I don't see what the matter is. But guess what? There are dozens of items and hats released every year that are ugly or don't match the rest of the game world's style because there are no quality artists with time available to ... wait a second...  |
Classic has a well enforced style integrity. I respect the team for not giving into the temptation of hiring a bunch of inexperienced artists who don't match Classic's style like Zone did so many years ago. Also, what you're talking about has nothing to do with the staff or administration. It's primarily a community issue. I'm not saying it doesn't exist, but it certainly isn't the developers' job to raise artists from seedlings, especially when they have more on their plates than they can handle (considering your dev scarcity theory).
Are you suggesting there be a sort of development academy/apprenticeship program? Actually, that sounds badass but unrealistic. I've worked in the graphics and levels departments on multiple servers, and there isn't enough time in the day for this sort of solution.